March 30, 2008 at
11:59 PM

The Red Sox have announced the roster of the high-A Lancaster JetHawks when they open their season April 3 at High Desert (roles are as projected by SoxProspects.com). The last few spots on the bench and in the bullpen may be subject to change in the days before opening day as rosters shake themselves out at all levels. You can view updated roster information throughout the season here.

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11:59 PM

Kevin Thomas of the Portland Press Herald is reporting that the following players are expected to comprise the roster of the AA Portland Sea Dogs when they open their season April 3 at New Britain (roles are as projected by SoxProspects.com). The last few spots on the bench and in the bullpen may change before opening day as rosters at all levels sort themselves out. You can view updated roster information throughout the season here.

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11:59 PM

According to SoxProspects.com sources, the following players will comprise the roster of the low-A Greenville Drive when they open their season on April 3 against Kannapolis (roles are as projected by SoxProspects.com). The final spots on the bench and in the bullpen are subject to change before opening day as rosters shake themselves out at all levels. You can view updated roster information throughout the season here.

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6:44 PM

The Red Sox have signed 26-year-old RHP Terumasa Matsuo out of the Japanese Independent Shikoku Island League. Matsuo pitched for the Kagawa Olive Guyners in 2007, posting a league leading 15-3 record with an 1.72 ERA, striking out 159 and allowing 85 hits in 152 IP, en route to winning the league MVP award. He is expected to report to the Sox minor league facility in Fort Myers to participate in extended spring training.

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4:36 PM

OF Bobby Kielty, who had reportedly agreed yesterday to accept an assignment to AAA Pawtucket, will apparently remain in Los Angeles over the weekend and shop his services to other clubs which may need a reserve outfielder at the major league level. If a big league job is not forthcoming he is expected to report in time for the Paw Sox season opener Tuesday.

March 28, 2008 at
12:47 PM

The Cincinnati Reds returned LHP Jose Capellanto the Boston Red Sox organization today. Capellan was first taken in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 Draft by the San Francisco Giants and then claimed on waivers by Cincinnati. Capellan, a 2003 International signing, spent all of last season with the Lowell Spinners going 4-3 with a 3.69 ERA in 14 starts.

March 26, 2008 at
1:07 PM

After starting both games of their Tokyo series against the A's and slugging a game tying home run in the ninth inning of the season opener, the Red Sox optioned OF Brandon Moss to AAA Pawtucket. The move will give Moss regular at-bats and allow him to continue to develop his defense at first base after starting there for a few games in 2007 and working at the position over the off-season. Moss, 24, returns to Pawtucket after posting a .282/.363/.471 (.834 OPS) line with 16 HR, 41 doubles and three triples in 493 ABs over 133 games with the Paw Sox last season. He also appeared in 15 games with the big league club in 2007, going .280/.379/.440 (.819 OPS) in 59 ABs. An eighth round pick in 2002, Moss is currently the ranked the No. 11 prospect in the system by SoxProspects.com.

March 21, 2008 at
5:54 PM

A complicated week for the big league club due to the threatened boycott and the trip to Japan. However, the fans at the minor league complex were treated to several major leaguers this week: Daisuke Matsuzaka pitched on Wednesday and had a strong outing against the Twins, Jon Lester pitched five innings in a AA intrasqud game on Wednesday, and Josh Beckett felt good piching a 45-pitch side session at the development complex on Friday ... Barry Hertzler was released this morning ... There have ben more solid reports on Nick Hagadone's progreess this spring, with his fastbal hitting 95 mph and his change-up looking "devestating" ... The club is also excited about Brock Huntzinger, who's progressing well under the watchful eye of pitching coordinator Ralph Truel ... Top prospect Clay Buchholz is set to start things off in Japan when the Sox play the Hanshin Tigers tonight in an exhibition game at 11:05 p.m. ET.

March 18, 2008 at
8:41 PM

The Red Sox have announced their roster for their season opening two game series in Tokyo, Japan against the Athletics, March 25-26. The Sox will travel with 30 players, The Sox will have a regular 25-man roster, plus two additional players who will be eligible to play in the series and three more players who will be inactive for both games. The rationale behind allowing the inactives is to alleviate the potential burden of both teams having to set their 25-man roster in advance of the rest of the league. They will be required to reduce their roster to 25 when the regular season resumes April 1 in Oakland, after playing an exhibition series against the Dodgers in Los Angeles. Daisuke Matsuzaka and Jon Lester are scheduled to start in Japan.

March 16, 2008 at
11:53 AM

Some of the SoxProspects staff and I just returned from Ft. Myers this morning after taking in hours upon hours of practices and live minor league spring training games this weekend. Based on our observations and numerous conversations we had with players, scouts, coaches and family members, we'll be updating the scouting reports, rankings, transactions, projections, pictures, and player page info regularly throughout the week. Its just going to take a little time, there's a lot of new info. For now, here's a list of random notes I've pulled together:

Ryan Phillips did not report to camp this spring and has retired from baseball

The team signed catchers Sandy Madera and Hayato Doue

LHP Mike Conroy is in camp with the team, but at this point has not yet been inked to a contract

Michael Lennox is a two-way player this spring, both pitching and playing 3B. He may continue playing both ways into the season.

Neither David Harriott nor Justin Erasmus will play in the US this year

The Sox brought in RHP Melvin Mancebo for a look but he's no longer with the club

Eric Beattie was released this off-season

Antony Alvarado, Pedro Rodriguez, Manuel Rivera, and Dennis Neuman are not in camp this spring, and its unclear whether they'll be starting the season in the DSL or in XST

Adam Blackley, Che-Hsuan Lin, and Chih-Hsien Chiang are not in camp yet, as they're playing with their respective national teams.

Oscar Tejeda's arm is still bandaged from his infection. He's not hitting or playing in games but will return to action on Monday. He's feeling better and wants to get going as soon as he can. He's taken some fielding drills and, according to some tuned-in onlookers, he hasn't impressed with the glove. He was hounded for autographs all day and signed every one.

Contrary to some earlier media reports, Kalish's wrist isn't absolutely 100%, but its close. His wrist was taped in the morning and he wore a brace in the afternoon. He's been the "designated pinch runner" for several games this weekend. He said he'll start participating fully in games on Wednesday.

Ryan Colvin put on 25 pounds this off-season - look for him to start the season in Greenville

Mike Rozier reported out-of-shape, much like he did in 2006. Look for him to start the season in XST.

Argenis Diaz is still turning heads at every turn. His defense is at an elite MLB level right now. Three different players said he was the best defensive player they ever saw. And now he's hitting well in minor league camp to follow up on an impressive winter with the bat.

Mark Wagner is the other player impressing big time this spring. He's a hard worker, and all reports have raved about his defense.

Derwin Pinto's has struggled with his catching skills

Daniel Bard has reportedly changed his arm slot to come a little bit more over the top, which has added a little bit of movement to his fastball. We were not able to confirm this first-hand.

Ryan Dent has very quick wrists and a nice looking swing. His legs are big, but he doesn't seem as fast as we've heard. Also, he struggled when taking fielding practice at SS, but looked decent at 2B in game play.

Will Middlebrooks hit two big home runs in a row in BP. He's got an advanced swing and plate approach for is age. However, he wasn't all that impressive taking grounders at SS, although he did make all the routine plays during the games.

Anthony Rizzo is a lot more athletic and lean then we've heard. He looked good taking grounders at 1B. He's vying for a spot n Greenville to start the season.

Michael Almanzar is shorter than initially reported. He's probably 6-3, not 6-5 or 6-6. He's really skinny, but his frame has tons of room to fill out. He will probably be a monster when he grows into his body. However, his stance and his swing need a lot of work. A lot. He moves and fidgets in the box a lot. The level of rawness is unprecedented. It really seems like he just started playing baseball in the last year. He's got tools - but he's got a long, long way to go. His throws also came up short on a few routine plays to 1B. No hits or major contact in the at bats we saw of him.

A few players seem to think that George Kottaras might grab the backup catcher job in Boston

Rafael Cabreja has been converted to a 2B. He already looks really good with the glove at 2B, but the coaches commented he has to learn where to be and when in the field.

Ty Weeden gets the bat on the ball real well and has good power to center and to the opposite field. It seems like he slimmed down quite a bit this off-season.

Jorge Jimenez took a lot of grounders at SS and actually looked real agile in the field, made some nice-looking plays and throws. He has a basketball player's body and athleticism.

Mitch Dening made solid contact every single AB over the weekend, and really impressed with his hustle. He's a scrapper, and has surprising power.

Wilfred Pichardo is a very, very good defensive 2B

Jennel Hudson has a phenomenal pitchers' frame. He might be 6'6" now - very lean, but lots of room to fill out.

Leandro Marin throws gas, which may be why the team has kept him around through two injury plagued seasons. He threw only fastballs in the one inning we saw him pitch.

Unfortunately there haven't been any radar guns in camp so far this spring. The organization is emphasizing movement over velocity to the younger pitchers.

Kade Keowen and David Marks both hit moonshots during the A-Ball game on Saturday.

Drake Britton got lit up in his first outing. However, his fastball has good life and his curveball is plus. His control and command were off, and perhaps he got a touch of the nerves in his first spring outing.

Luis Exposito is back with the team this spring and he's in great shape. He's the biggest catcher in camp, and it looks to be all muscle. Look for him to split time with Weeden in Greenville.

Deshaun Brooks is a very large man, but surprisingly athletic for his size. He impressed in the field, but he spent both Friday and Saturday with the GCL team.

March 14, 2008 at
1:04 AM

In a flurry of roster moves yesterday, Curt Schilling was placed on the 60-day DL (shoulder), making room for Lincoln Holdzkom, who was signed to a major league deal and placed on the 40-Man roster. Veteran back-up Doug Mirabelli was released, Devern Hansack and Jonathan Van Every were optioned to AAA Pawtucket, while Lee Gronkiewicz, Michael Tejera and Jon Switzer were reassigned to minor league camp ... Bartolo Colon made his spring debut, pitching out of trouble after loading up the bases in the first and allowing one run (solo HR in the second) on two hits in two innings pitched , striking out one and issuing a walk. Colon reportedly touched 94 MPH with his fastball but worked primarily in the high-80s to mid-90s MPH range. The Sox tied the Rays 3-3, Brandon Moss homered, while Chris Carter contributed an RBI double. Reid Engel entered the game as a runner for JD Drew and was 1/1, and Iggy Suarez, Chad Spann and Bubba Bell all entered the game as runners ... In an article from mlb.com Minor League Director Mike Hazen is quoted praising the progress made by Jason Place and Nick Hagadone ... Minor league spring training games get underway on Friday and the Sox are hosting teams from the Twins organization, Michael Bowden, Dustin Richardson and Kris Johnson are slated for starts ... Baltimore is reportedly scouting Bryan Corey closely ... The Sox host the Orioles today at 1:05 ET, Daisuke Matsuzaka gets the start and Jonathan Papelbon and Mike Timlin are also scheduled to pitch ... Julio Lugo (back) may return to action today or tomorrow.

March 12, 2008 at
11:59 PM

The Sox defeated their crosstown rival Twins by a score of 12-7, winning the Mayor's Cup. Clay Buchholz allowed two earned runs on three hits over three and two-thirds innings of work, striking out three, walking one and getting his first win of the spring. Jonathan Van Every was 1/1 with a HR and walked, scoring a run. Chris Carter was 1/2 with a double after relievingKevin Youkilis at first ... Dan Kolb was reassigned to minor league camp today, and Joe Thurston and Keith Ginter were informed that they would be as well, but would be allowed to stay in major league camp until the team departs for Japan next week ... Bartolo Colon is scheduled to face the Tampa Bay Rays tomorrow at 1:05 ET, Juilan Tavarez, Kyle Snyder and Hideki Okajima are also slated for action.

March 11, 2008 at
7:00 PM

Josh Beckett looks likely to miss the opener in Japan due to his ongoing back issues. Jon Lester has emerged as a strong possibility to make the start...2005 2nd Round pick Jonathan Egan announced his retirement from baseball this morning...Chris Carteris batting .346 in 27 AB's this Spring...Jonathan Papelbon has been working on his slider and is looking to use it as his 3rd pitch...Caleb Clay, sidelined with Tommy John last Summer, is already back throwing off the mound and is targeting a return mid-season...Both Dusty Brown andGeorge Kottaras have had strong camps thus far and have drawn praise with both their play at/behind the plate...Clay Buchholz takes the mound against the Twins in the finale of the Mayor's Cup series over at Hammond Stadium tomorrow. Bryan Corey and Craig Breslow are slated to follow as the battle for the last spot in the bullpen continues.

March 8, 2008 at
3:23 PM

The Sox made the following cuts this morning: Edgar Matrinez and David Pauley were optioned to AAA Pawtucket, likewise Kyle Jackson and Argenis Diaz were assigned to AA Portland, while Michael Bowden, Hunter Jones, Justin Masterson, Jeff Bailey, Tony Granadillo and Gil Valasquezwere sent to minor league camp ... Josh Beckett was a late scratch, missing his start against Florida with back spasms, the result of losing his footing on the mound while warming up. Manny Delcarmen started in his place and was highly effective, striking out one in two perfect innings. Jacoby Ellsbury broke out of his funk and went 3/5 with a two-run homer, a double, two RBI and scoring one run. Lars Anderson ran for David Ortiz in the fourth inning and remained in the game, walking twice in two plate appearances. Chris Carter was 3/4 The Red Sox lost 5-2 [box], with Craig Hansen taking the loss in a rough outing ... Bartolo Colon threw a 50-pitch bullpen session yesterday, reportedly mixing in sliders for the first time this spring in anticipation of facing live hitting on Sunday ... The team held a four inning "camp game" this morning, Bowden and Pauley were scheduled to work three innings respectively, while Jackson and Martinez were to throw one apiece.

March 4, 2008 at
6:37 PM

Over in minor league camp, intra-squad play began today … One report indicates that Oscar Tejeda has an arm infection that has kept him off the field, but he still expects to be ready to play in Greenville come April … Ryan Kalish is reportedly back at full strength and excelling in the battigng cages … As of yesterday, the minor league rosters had yet to be prepared for public distribution, but could be ready soon … In major league camp, Brandon Moss is hitting .375 through his first 8 ABs … As far as play in the field, Moss has seen most of his time at 1B, Joe Thurston has seen a lot of time in the OF, Jed Lowrie has spent some time at 2B and 3B in addition to SS, and Chris Carter hasn’t seen the field just yet … Argenis Diaz had three hits and knocked in two runs in Tuesday’s win over Pittsburgh … Jonathan Papelbon is apparently unhappy with his lack of bargaining power before his arbitration years kick in, as are many young players this season … Jonathan Mayo of milb.com gives us his organizational preview.

March 1, 2008 at
1:18 PM

In the first three ST games, several prospects and minor leaguers got a chance to take the field for the big league club … In the 24-0 victory over Boston College, Tony Granadillo contributed with a grand slam … Justin Masterson took home the victory in the nightcap over Northeastern, and Craig Hansen dominated in relief … George Kottaras homered in the Sox 8-3 win over Minnesota on Friday … Bryan Corey has impressed early on in camp, and historically has done a better job of getting lefties out than Javier Lopez and Craig Breslow – he could grab the last bullpen spot … The Red Sox have signed international amateurs SS Heiker Meneses (Venezuela), RHP Luis Bastardo, (Venezuela), and OF Felix Sanchez (Dominican Republic), all who should start the season for the DSL team … Amalie Benjamin checks in withMichael Bowden on his off-season diet … The PawSox & Sea Dogs will start their ST Schedule on March 14 at home against the Twins and then head down a few miles down the road on Saturday March 15 to play at the Twin’s park.